A plane crash in Fullerton, California, on Thursday afternoon killed two people and injured several others. The small aircraft crashed onto the roof of a commercial warehouse, causing a massive fireball. Video footage of the crash, posted on social media, shows the plane dipping and then crashing into the building, followed by flames and a large cloud of black smoke.
The crash occurred at 2:09 p.m. on Raymer Avenue, near the Fullerton Municipal Airport. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to fight the fire and evacuate surrounding businesses. The Fullerton Police Department confirmed that two people died, and 10 others were taken to hospitals for treatment. Eight more people were treated at the scene.
The plane, identified as a Van’s Aircraft RV-10, was a small, home-built four-person aircraft. Investigators believe the pilot was returning to the airport after takeoff when the crash happened. The exact number of passengers on board is unclear.
The fire from the crash damaged the warehouse, which housed a furniture upholstery business, Michael Nicholas Designs. The warehouse contained sewing machines and textiles. Helicopter teams on the scene provided live updates, and social media footage showed the thick smoke billowing from the building.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a large fire. One local, Mark Anderson, said, “People are just shaken over the situation. It was just a large boom, and then one of the people went out and said, ‘Oh my gosh, the building’s on fire.'”
First responders worked quickly to contain the blaze and assist the injured. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Fullerton, a city of about 140,000 people located about 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles, is home to the Fullerton Municipal Airport, which serves general aviation.
The crash has left the community in shock as officials continue to investigate the tragic incident. The local police have urged people to avoid the area as rescue operations continue.
